Facial Flushing after Drinking can be a Marker of Risk for High Blood Pressure

People who flush after drinking alcohol are exposed to higher risk of elevated blood pressure (hypertension).

Untreated hypertension is a significant risk factor for stroke and heart disease: each increase of 20 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 10 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure above normal levels directly correlates to a doubling of the risk of death from cardiovascular disease over a 10-year period. red face after drinking linked to high blood pressure

According to a new study published online in the U.S. journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, red face indicates over-sensitivity or even intolerance to alcohol, and it is usually developed in a person who genetically cannot break down acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of alcohol.

The research involved 1763 men, the mixture of drinkers and non drinkers. More than one third of drinkers were flushing. According to the study, flushers face elevated risk of developing high blood pressure than non-flushers.

After adjusting age, body mass index, exercise and smoking status, researchers have come to the conclusion that the risk of elevated blood pressure increases significantly when flushers consumes more than four drinks per week. In case of non-flushers, the risk increases with consuming more than eight drinks per week.

Facial flushing increases the risk of high blood pressure, even if flushers consume less alcohol compared to non-flushers, therefore alcohol limitation is suggested to prevent the development of hypertension.


All people aged over 40 should have a cardiovascular health risk assessment. If you have a high risk of developing a cardiovascular disease, treatment to reduce high blood pressure may be suggested. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is a reliable and informative tool in the diagnoses and control of hypertension. For more information on the technology, please contact Meditech, the original manufacturer of accurate and reliable ambulatory blood pressure monitors at reasonable price.